Let's see what effect sunflower seeds have on our body. The benefits and harms of these golden nucleoli - what is it? Fragrant, tasty seeds are a favorite treat of adults and children. We all know that this is an affordable and well-known product, from which it is difficult to tear yourself away, you just have to start clicking them. Under the seeds and conversation becomes soulful, and watching a movie is more pleasant. Their taste is peculiar and unlike any other, they really give an energy charge to the body and are easily absorbed.
Photo of sunflower seeds:
Many of us remember how in childhood, mother or grandmother warned against the use of seeds in large quantities, supposedly they clog the body and can cause appendicitis. In fact, this version has no reason, because grains do not conceal harm in themselves (if you use them in reasonable quantities), rather, vice versa. But the husk of seeds, which is not digested by the body, can just provoke inflammation of the appendix.
Let's look at the seeds from all sides, find out what their benefits and harms for our body, what is contained in delicious nucleoli.
What are the benefits of sunflower seeds?
Let's start with the pros - they really are a source of substances that bring real benefits to our health. They contain unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, magnesium, selenium, zinc, potassium, etc. It is noteworthy that the nutritional value of sunflower seeds is higher than that of meat and eggs. In terms of vitamin D content, they can compete with cod liver, and there is more potassium in seeds than in bananas. They are a supplier of fats, carbohydrates, amino acids, as well as a valuable fat-soluble antioxidant - vitamin E, which neutralizes free radicals. This vitamin has an anti-inflammatory effect, has a wide range of positive effects on the human body.
Sunflower seeds contain fiber, which optimizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, accelerates detoxification, and lowers cholesterol. It is noted that regular use of nucleoli improves brain activity, relieves nervous tension, and even slows down the aging process to some extent (due to the content of antioxidants and vitamins).
Sunflower seeds contain components that favorably affect the work of the heart and blood vessels, they are able to restore energy balance after diseases. The acid-base balance also returns to normal (balanced), if they are often taken as food.
Fried grains perfectly increase appetite, while raw grains, on the contrary, lower it, therefore they are often used as an additive to dietary dishes.
As a psychological therapy, they are also good: unhurried peeling of grains from the shell soothes nerves. If you quit the smoking habit, they can be a great distraction.
Nucleoli, especially raw ones, will help get rid of parasites due to the content of carotenoids and tannins.
Purified Sunflowers:
The calorie content of fried sunflower seeds is quite high - 1 glass of delicious nucleoli contains a little more than 700 kcal. Moreover, most of the components are fats. Especially in the evening or at night it is better not to husk them, because extra pounds will not keep you waiting long.
If we take into account the raw nucleoli of sunflower, the caloric content of the product will be slightly lower (520 kcal per 100 g). If you follow a diet, your daily “norm” should not exceed 50 g. It is best to add sunflower grains to salads or cereals (about 20 g), then they will fully reveal their useful potential.
But we all know how hard it is to break away from a plate full of fragrant fried beans. In this case, try not to use them in large quantities too often.
Harm of sunflower seeds
Seeds are a food product. It is clear that tastes and beneficial effects on the body may have a flip side. First of all, this is immoderation in use.
The sunflower kernels are very tasty, so cases of overeating occur often, especially for children. If you do not limit yourself, then the habit of husking can develop into a real addiction, and this is already harmful.
A common question: is it possible to recover from sunflower seeds? Of course you can, overweight in this case will be a kind of "bonus", plus spoiled tooth enamel.
As for the negative effect on the teeth, there is no exaggeration - the frequent use of seeds (biting the shell of the teeth) leads to thinning of enamel, a change in its color, and micro-injury to the gums. Therefore, if you are very fond of seeds and eat them often, learn to clean your grains with your fingers!
It is important to know in what conditions the sunflower was grown, whether the seeds were properly dried after harvesting - these factors affect the quality of the product. Often store seeds in factory packaging contain various additives (salt, sugar). An excess of salt, as well as sugar, does not affect the vessels, bone tissue, and the digestive tract in general in the best way. Often they are overcooked, and after such a heat treatment, most vitamins are lost. Also, carcinogens are formed in overcooked seeds, this is due to the fact that under the influence of high temperatures, fats and oil contained in the nucleoli are oxidized. I think everyone knows about the dangers of carcinogens for the human body.
It would be nice to know where the seeds were grown, because, as usual, the sunflower fields are located next to the track. This means that in the process of growth, a sunflower can accumulate cadmium and lead. These are heavy metals known for their toxic effects on the human body. They extremely negatively affect the functions of internal organs, bones. The process of removing these metals from the body is quite lengthy.
The harm of sunflower seeds can also be caused by accumulated chemical fertilizers that the plant absorbed during the development and maturation of grains. Health benefits from nitrates and phosphorus certainly will not.
Sunflower hats:
It is extremely important to take into account all the nuances: the collection process, the technology of drying the seeds, even the method of frying them. Therefore, try to purchase seeds from friends, trusted sellers, and if the area of the summer cottage allows, then grow them yourself.
The harm and benefits of fried sunflower seeds consist in the quality of the product and the moderation of its use is the main rule. Thoroughly clean the shell, preferably with your hands, rinse the seeds well before frying, do not overcook them.
If you suffer from a stomach ulcer or duodenal ulcer, colitis or gastritis (in the acute stage), overweight, then it is better to refuse the use of seeds.
Sunflower seeds - benefits and harm for men
Surprisingly, this common treat can have a positive effect on men's health. Frequent use of sunflower seeds optimizes sexual functions and increases libido. Vitamin E is responsible for this factor, which positively affects the reproductive system, as well as muscle function.
Vitamin A, which is also found in sunflower seeds, activates the production of sex hormones. For the best healing effect, it is recommended to use raw or slightly dried grains, because heat treatment inhibits the biologically active components of the seeds.
What are the benefits of sunflower seeds? They are an excellent addition to the diet, in the event that a man is involved in sports.
Raw peeled grains (with regular intake) have a strengthening effect on the muscles. Damage to muscle or bone tissue can be better and more effective if a handful is eaten daily or raw grains are added to dishes.
Athletes are well aware that sunflower grains contain calcium, which strengthens bones. They have a positive effect on the work of the cardiovascular system, again, regular use of non-fried seeds prevents stroke, heart attack. Sterols and phospholipids inhibit aging and prolong youth, they are also found in large quantities in sunflower seeds. Zinc has a preventive effect that prevents the development of adenoma.
As for the harm, here the warnings will be the same as for everyone - do not overeat, if there is a tendency to rapid weight gain. In obesity, it is generally not recommended to consume them. A ban is also an individual intolerance to the product, which can provoke skin rashes, swelling of the respiratory tract or an upset intestines, stomach.
Fried seeds eaten in large quantities can cause heartburn and gastrointestinal problems. Do not forget about the basic rule - clean hands. It has been proven that most patients with hepatitis, before that they used seeds and did not think about washing their hands, as well as about the purity of the product itself.
Sunflower seeds - harm and benefit for women
The use of raw seeds is beneficial for the female body. Valuable components positively affect the condition of the skin, its tone and appearance as a whole.
During menopause, regular ingestion of non-fried seeds minimizes the frequency of hot flashes, relieves stress and nervous tension. This product can not be called dietary, but a carefully calibrated dose of seeds, used as an additive to dishes, will only benefit and give the body strength while following a diet.
Seeds contain fiber, which means they improve the digestive process and contribute to better bowel cleansing. It is proved that daily consumption of 70 g of raw nucleoli provides the body with the optimal amount of vitamins A, E and D, as well as zinc, magnesium and selenium.
Dietary dishes with seeds:
Sunflower seeds - benefits and harm for women:
- They contain a large number of estrogens and the so-called "hormones of sexuality", which favorably affect the female reproductive system.
- Antioxidants, which are also found in the nucleoli, improve the condition of the skin, minimize pain during critical days, slow down the aging process.
- Phytosterols optimize the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques.
- Selenium, magnesium and zinc (minerals) prevent the occurrence of cancer, improve heart function, normalize blood pressure, strengthen bones and muscles, and are responsible for the appearance of the skin.
As for the question, is it possible for pregnant women to eat fried seeds, the answer to it will be positive. The vitamins and minerals included in the grains have a beneficial effect on the fetus, its development. In addition, regularly consumed (in a small amount) seeds prevent the development of vitamin deficiency. Amino acids, in turn, improve the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, prevent the formation of blood clots, "jumps" in pressure. If toxicosis suffers, then a small number of seeds (preferably unroasted) can improve the situation.
Are fried sunflower seeds useful for expectant mothers? Let's just say that raw or slightly dried seeds are much healthier than fried! However, if the soul asks for fried grains, make sure that they are not burnt in any case.
Observe moderation in use - a requirement, especially relevant for pregnant women. The use of raw seeds favorably affects the condition of the placenta and blood vessels of the fetus (vitamin E), its formation (folic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids), and the “building” of bone tissue in the child (vitamins A, D).
Further, the question itself arises: is it possible for a nursing mother to fried sunflower nucleoli? And again the answer will be yes - it is possible, but raw or dried seeds - even necessary.
The use of this product improves lactation, relieves nervous excitement. Start with the smallest doses to make sure your child is not allergic to sunflower seeds.
Excessive enthusiasm for seeds can cause bloating and colic in a baby. You should know that fried nucleoli give a bitter taste to breast milk.
Can I eat seeds for diabetes?
Also a fairly common question, the answer to which will also be positive - it is possible, but in small quantities. Due to the rich composition of vitamins and valuable elements, seeds can even be useful for diabetics. As in the situations described above, people with diabetes should eat slightly dried kernels rather than fried ones. Be sure to pay attention to the calorie content of the product, and therefore already count on the intake of other dishes consumed throughout the day.
Benefits and harms for people with diabetes:
- They contain useful ingredients that will only benefit those with diabetes (fats, proteins, carbohydrates).
- They contain a minimum amount of sugar, which is important for diabetics.
- The most useful are slightly dried grains, not fried. Plus, fried kernels negatively affect the liver, which is already undergoing an “attack” in type 2 diabetes.
- Do not buy already peeled seeds! They are not only not useful, but can also cause harm to health, since the sunflower kernels without shells always oxidize under the influence of light.
So, in this situation, the long-standing principle also works: "in a spoon - medicine, in a cup - poison." Keep moderation, then everything will be fine.
The process of roasting seeds in the oven:
White sunflower seeds - benefits and harms
In conclusion, I want to mention an interesting variety of sunflower seeds - white seeds. This is a separate, independent natural variety that is not a breeding product. The external difference of the white representatives is in larger sizes, the color of the shell (pure white or with thin black stripes), slightly elongated shape. Fried white seeds have a slight nutty flavor, but their shells are slightly tougher than black counterparts. Despite this, they are easier to clean, in terms of vitamin and mineral composition, they are as useful as black ones.
This variety is often called Turkish, because it is in Turkey that they have been grown for more than 200 years. The pride of the Turkish coast - the so-called white seeds in the people.
Photo of white sunflower seeds:
Like blacks, it is better to use them raw to get the maximum nutrients, however, fried they are very tasty. This is a delicious and incredibly healthy gift of nature. Observe the "dosage" in their use, wash them well before eating and cooking. Be sure to peel, and if you purchase the product at retail outlets, carefully select the manufacturer and do not save on quality.
Fried seeds can be stored for no more than 3 months. And raw, in appropriate conditions - about 10-12 months. Do not buy already peeled nucleoli - in most cases they are already unfit for food, as mentioned above.
A universal treat and an excellent addition to dishes are sunflower seeds, the benefits and harms of which directly depend on growing conditions and cooking technology. Use them wisely, then they will give only good and good mood.